NBA Insider Says Miami Heat Made Earlier Attempt At Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Miami Heat are set to begin their pursuit of Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo once free agency begins July 1. 

Apparently, they already made a previous attempt at the two-time MVP. According to ESPN's Ramon Shelburne, the Heat tried to package a deal to get Antetokounmpo at the trade deadline in February. 

She spoke about why it fell through during an appearance on the Rich Eisen Shown. 

“The Miami Heat were very motivated at the deadline. I think Milwaukee liked their offer at the time. They just weren’t ready to trade Giannis. I’m sure they’ll get back involved. 

This should quiet the Heat fans who thought team president Pat Riley was asleep at the trade deadline. It proves Riley was indeed active but the Bucks just weren't ready to pull the trigger. The fact the Heat and Bucks have been already in talks should help speed the process if a deal is reached. 

This is good news for Heat fans, who are desperately awaiting another blockbuster deal like they had with Jimmy Butler in 2019 and LeBron James and Chris Bosh in 2010. It seems the Heat will have to part ways with the likes of Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel'el Ware and some draft picks in order to have a shot at Antetokounmpo. 

A pairing of Antetokounmpo and forward Bam Adebayo would give the Heat one of the league's most dynamic frontcourt. If they are able to keep Norman Powell Jr., Miami would have the pieces to compete in the Eastern Conference against the likes of the New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers. 

Still, the Heat have their backup plans should an Antetokounmpo deal never comes to fruition. There are plenty reports of them showing interest in Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell. 

Regardless, it appears the Heat are going to have an active summer in free agency. 

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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of HeatRoundtable. He can be reached at [email protected]